10 Galentine’s Day Ideas in Houston

All my single ladies, all my single ladies: Put your hands up if you want to grab your gals for a special celebration of Galentine’s Day: No boys allowed.

Oh, and if you DO have a boy to spend the day with, we also have you covered here and here! Or, just have your guy tag along to one of these suggestions.

Relax

No. 1 idea for a Galentine’s Day celebration is something spa related — and for good reason. You deserve a day in no make-up getting prettied up by professionals with all your closest friends. Do this. You earned it.

First of all, it’s nails only. There’s no sketchy back room that you enter wondering, “Hmm, I wonder if they clean the furniture between clients.” Nails, and that’s it.

Secondly, when I entered PALOMA, granted, it was on it’s first day of services, it smelled like a spa, not at all the normal nail salon smell. It was a scent from a burning candle (which they sell!) that instantly started my relaxation process.

Next, the salon is sleek af. Every piece of furniture is hand picked. There’s a beautiful gradient wall in the back, and the chairs for mani-pedis are up on a platform across a wall, which provides a symmetric aesthetic that is art in itself.

OK, I’m burying the lede here, but the biggest, most important part of PALOMA, is that all the products are toxin free (PALOMA’s website is v detailed, btw). Basically, every single product they sell or use passes the toxic-free, environmentally friendly, technician-friendly test.

Note: It’s obviously a tad more expensive than a normal salon, but it’s not actually that much more. If you’re like me — on a budget and only rarely in the “Treat Yo’Self” mood, it’s your spot.

When’s the last time you went to a spa? Where was it? WHEN was it? For us, it’s like never. Vacations, maybe, or the rare treat yo’self moment, but for the most part, nah. TBH we don’t even know where we would go in Houston for a spa…The Four Seasons Downtown? A friend of a friend of a friend who has a esthetician license? IDK?! Enter: Milk and Honey. The West Ave spa is be your go-to spa and fills the void in the relatively spa-less Houston.

I’m one of those people who rarely gets a haircut. It’s a thing I do maybe once or twice a year. I’ve always grown my hair long, then chopped it all off in a semi impulsive decision. (I also have been known to do this type of decision in regards to hair color, oops). I don’t usually love getting haircuts…

Enter: Birds Barbershop. While Birds can’t solve all my haircut annoyances, they definitely made the experience enjoyable. I.E. You get to have a beer while you get cut.

This brunch just down I10 in Memorial City is boozy and filling — try the frozen drinks or mimosa flights! Best things on the menu: XXL Pancake, frito pie, loaded hash browns and the truffle mac and cheese. Or just chit-chat at the super cute bar (by the sign that says “pour decisions”) before/after hitting up Memorial City Mall.

Have you run around Buffalo Bayou recently and been wondering what that mysterious new building is by Lost Lake? Amongst all the new exciting changes and grand opening of Buffalo Bayou, there is a new building that is part park info, part event-space, and part grab-and-go café, called the Kitchen at Dunlavy.

Lunch is casual, but you dine among the trees and beautiful chandeliers. Salads, sandwiches and a full bar, btw! You can come from a park run/walk or get all dolled up!

Heads up! This is also an event space, so double check to make sure they are open before you go!

I really wanted to go with a decadent recommendation… but these pops are so good. And cheap! And… some of them are more like ice cream than pops. Ps. It’s right next door to Birds Barbershop! Grab a pop and a haircut!

Drink

Cheers to you and your fierce friends. Here’s where you should sip and spill (the juicy gossip only).

Cocktails at Julep

Julep is a girly bar to me — even though it’s kind of a whisky bar. It’s just SO cute, and all of the design elements are so southern chic. Even better: They make a stiff cocktail here, ladies. Uber here. Obviously, your first drink should be a mint julep, however for your second… try one of the cocktails (not under the classics). The menu is seasonal so there is always something new to try!

Wine and cheese are hard to beat for a Galentine’s Day activity! Beckrew is newish to the Upper Kirby area, and it super cute. There’s a great menu and tons of different wines. (Hint: Go at happy hour!). Ps. Order the brie.

For the gals that love to sip some pints and chat, you’re my people. There are a lot of beer-loving bars, but this one is my favorite. It’s mostly outside. The selection is great. Dogs are allowed. Plenty of parking. Literally, all my favorite things. Not so much a Galentine’s spot, just a chill place where you can bring all your bitches (and literal bitches).